Regular Class

Freestyle Yoga

A freestyle approach to yoga transforms yoga practice into a living, breathing, authentic yoga - not defined by rigid form, but by spaciousness, fluidity, and naturalness. Freestyle integrates a variety of perspectives on the body and mind; ancient and modern, cross-cultural, personal, interpersonal, and scientific. Without limits of tradition or culture, we make use of the full spectrum of tools for available to us for self-regulation, balanced energy, physical functionally, and vibrant health.

Classical yogic movement serves as a springboard into movement guided by the flow of our body's energies, merging with the creative pulse of nature into more expressive, exploratory, responsive action. We take cues from the intricacies of human anatomy, spiraling forms of nature, and primal movement patterns to facilitate subtle inner movement, ease, efficiency and intimacy with our biological roots. While conditioning the body with smart and subtle techniques we simultaneously build flexibility of mind. The result is a uniquely engaging and vitalizing yoga experience.

To develop Freestyle Yoga skills, we follow a three step process - which mirrors the ancient Indian sage Patanjali's Eight Limbed outline of yogic practice and touches progressively subtle aspects of being.

• Movement Inside Movement
Deepening sensory and energetic awareness of breath, circulation, nerves, inner muscle energy, organs and other tissues. Built on the base of a solid physical conditioning, we move into mental and sensory conditioning.

• Release
Following the flow of inner energies into healing movement and moving meditation. Awakening the intelligence of pranic energy, of the living body, and learning to hear its voice.

While learning the later Steps is generally reserved for workshops and retreats, typical public classes focus on Foundations and involve flowing sequences with some focus on technical details, sensory awareness, and sinking more deeply into the poses. Every class begins with simple whole body movement patterns to warm the body and center the mind, followed by instruction around a central theme, building to a period of vigorous asana. A final phase for harmonizing and restoration, sometimes including formal sitting meditation, brings the class to completion. New themes are introduced monthly, allowing students to learn and fully integrate the lessons over time. Generally classes can be challenging, but students are supported to work at an appropriate level with advanced or remedial variations given accordingly.